You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office

Texas allows you to update your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. The fastest method is online through the Texas DPS website if your license is valid and you have not had any violations or suspensions. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a change-of-address form or visit a DPS office in person. The address change takes effect when ready online; by mail it takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form.

Your mailing address and your residence address can be different. Your mailing address is where Texas sends documents; your residence address is your legal home. You must provide your current residence address, but you can list a PO box or other mailing address if mail should go elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • The online change-of-address system at dps.texas.gov is available 24/7 and takes about five minutes if your license is valid and in good standing.
  • You need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you cannot use the online system, mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on the form, or visit any DPS office with your license and proof of residence.
  • A mailed change-of-address takes 7 to 10 business days to process; an in-person change is when ready.
  • You do not need to pay a fee to change your address, and your license does not need to be renewed.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is the fastest and most convenient option if your Texas driver's license is currently valid and you have no active suspensions or violations. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, then choose "Change of Address." You will need to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Texas will verify this information against your record.

After verification, you will enter your new residence address and confirm your mailing address. If your mailing address is the same as your residence address, you can select that option. If you use a PO box, business address, or other mailing location, enter it in the mailing address field. Review all information for accuracy before submitting. The change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though you may not see it reflected in all state databases for a few days.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the system rejects your information, it will tell you why — usually because your license is suspended, expired, or the identifying information does not match DPS records. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, you need Form DL-43, which is the official Texas Change of Address form. read it from dps.texas.gov or request it by calling the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900. Fill out the form completely: your name, driver's license number, current address, new residence address, and mailing address if different.

Sign and date the form. You do not need to include a copy of your license or other documents unless DPS has told you to do so. Mail the form to the address printed on the form itself — this is typically the DPS office in Austin. Use regular mail; there is no expedited mail option. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form. You can track the status by calling 1-888-589-6900 with your driver's license number.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you need to confirm the change was processed before the 10-day window closes, call the DPS Driver License Division with your license number and they can tell you the status.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DPS Office

You can change your address at any Texas DPS office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your valid Texas driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

Tell the DPS staff member you are changing your address only, not renewing your license. They will update your record on the spot, and the change is effective when ready. You will not receive a new license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS system will show your new address. If you want a new card with the updated address, you can renew your license at the same time, but that requires paying the renewal fee and following the renewal process.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Find the office nearest you and its hours at dps.texas.gov. Bring your license and proof of residence; the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

If you are changing your address in person or by mail, DPS may ask for proof of your new residence. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you are changing your address online, you do not need to upload or mail proof of residence — the online system does not require it. If you are changing your address by mail using Form DL-43, include a copy of your proof of residence with the form to avoid delays. If you are changing your address in person, bring the original document or a copy; DPS staff will verify it and return it to you.

When You Cannot Use the Online System

The online change-of-address system will reject your request if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you have an active violation or hold; or if the identifying information you enter does not match DPS records. In these cases, you must use the mail or in-person method.

If your license is expired, you have two options: renew your license (which includes updating your address) or change your address by mail or in person and renew later. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address online, but you can still change it by mail or in person — the address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it.

Changing Your Address When You Move Out of State

If you move out of Texas, you should surrender your Texas driver's license and obtain a license from your new state. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping a Texas residence, you can change your address to your out-of-state location using any of the three methods above. Enter your new out-of-state address in the residence address field.

Texas will continue to mail documents to that address. If you later move back to Texas or change your address again, you can update it the same way. There is no penalty for having an out-of-state address on a Texas license, but if you establish residency in another state, that state may require you to obtain a license there instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No. A change of address updates your record in the DPS system but does not issue a new card. Your current card will still show your old address, but DPS records will reflect your new address. If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you must renew your license, which requires paying the renewal fee and following the renewal process.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. You can use your updated address for official purposes right away. However, it may take a few days for the change to appear in all state and local databases that pull from DPS records.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease yet?

If you cannot provide a document dated within the last 90 days, bring whatever proof of residence you have — a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, a moving company receipt, or a notarized statement of residence. Call your local DPS office before you visit to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Can I change my mailing address without changing my residence address?

Yes. Your mailing address and residence address are separate fields. You can keep your residence address the same and change only your mailing address to a PO box, business address, or other location where you want mail to go. Use the same online, mail, or in-person method to update just the mailing address.

What if I change my address online but then move again before I receive mail at the new address?

Change your address again using the same method. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address. Each change takes effect when ready online or within 7 to 10 business days by mail. DPS will mail documents to your most recent address on file.